The 61st Annual Grand National Roadster Show - This Granddaddy Doesn't Sleep

There have been countless reviews written of the Grand National Roadster Show over the last 61 years that it's been running and most of you have probably read a few of them. While it isn't the biggest truck show out there, it is the longest-running indoor car show in the country. Each year the best of the best strut their stuff and do what it takes to haul home a few trophies and even possibly the 9-foot highly sought after America's Most Beautiful Roadster award, which could be won by a truck-a roadster pickup! It has happened in the past and even consecutively with the famous old Ala Kart Hemi-powered Model T roadster pickup built by the Barris shop back in the late 1950s.

2/23

If there was ever a place to steal ideas for your build for free (well, minus the price of admission) this is the place. The entries can read like a TV Guide for all the automotive cable shows with many of the familiar faces roaming around taking it all in, like Chip Foose and some of the stars from Overhaulin', Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top, to more approachable and talented folks like our own Professor Hammer, Ron Covel who is always good to chat with and get advice (I did). There were even special guests for the family to meet like John Schneider and the original Daisy Duke from The Dukes of Hazard, Lorenzo Lamas, and Erika Eleniak from Baywatch.

Regardless of your reasoning to go, you just need to go to experience the legend. This year there were several special buildings. One was dedicated to past cover and feature cars from our own Rod & Custom and STREET RODDER magazines, while the other was filled with original and restored race vehicles of all kinds from vintage belly tankers and roadsters, to early funny cars and front engine fuel cars. Talk about getting your money's worth! On Saturday and Sunday, another 400-800 vehicles crowd the outside areas between the building for the Drive In show that is open to the public. How can you lose?

For more information on this past show, including all the winners, as well as future shows, contact Rod Shows online at www.rodshows.com or by calling (877) 763-7469.